An eBay Auction Win - Don Newcombe Fan Taken Photo Snapshot

There's nothing I love more than an oddball Dodger collectible to add to my collection. Featured above is circa 1949-50 fan-taken snapshot of Dodger hurler Don Newcombe with two fans. Originally taken during Spring Training, we do not know much about who the two gents are, or the circumstances surrounding the photo, but I think it's fair to say that this is one-of-a-kind. Best yet, this purchase was probably one of my best ever -- I took it home for less than $10 delivered.

On a side note, the seller had one other snapshot available for sale that featured Jackie Robinson and his son playing a little bit of ball. I had hoped to take that one home too, but bidding was furious. It ended up selling for $174. Check out that photo below.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I've said many times before, there's nothing cooler than seeing some fan taken vintage snapshots of our legendary Dodger players. More often we see them in Dodger duds. On this occasion, however, we see several players in their travelling suits at the Terminal Train Station in Cincinnati. They were in town for a four-game series in late August 1950.

According to the auction listing at BST Auctions (Auction Link) they were taken by a porter at the train station and eventually gifted to a 16-year old kid who had his own dreams of Major League ball. His name was Herb Shavers and he eventually played African-American semi-pro ball. I'm sure that although he never reached that eventual goal I think it's fair to say that if not for Jackie he could not have dreamed so large.

Featured are Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges on the top left; Jackie Robinson on the top right; manager Burt Shotten and his wife on the bottom left; and Don Newcombe and Gene Hermanski on the bottom right.

Below are more links to check:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Leo "The Lip" Durocher is named the new manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In 1974 Dodgers closer Mike Marshall picked off A's designated runner Herb Washington to get the second out in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series.  He would eventually record a save to preserve the Dodgers only win in the series.  Oakland would win the title in Game 5.  You can watch the pick-off here.
• Happy Birthday, "Wild" Bill Donovan, Jim Roberts, Ray Hathaway, Bob Bailey & Chris Gwynn!

Snapshots from the 1955 World Series

It's been awhile since I've trolled around the eBay marketplace, so when I took a gander the other day I was happy to find a few items that struck my fancy.  As you may know, I'm a big proponent of fan-taken photos from yesteryear.  These little pictures are often one-of-kind and provide a brief look at moments in history that have since been long forgotten... and, I don't mean moments that are particularly noteworthy either.  Instead, these pics are very candid and they can provide a brief glimpse at normal everyday activities that we didn't see back then.  Featured below are photos of three Brooklyn Dodger legends being hounded by adoring fans as they enter Yankee Stadium before Game 6 of the 1955 World Series.

In the photo on the above left we see Roy Campanella, in a rather dapper hat, being surrounded by onlookers (Auction Link).  It seems like he is in a bit of a rush and wanting to get inside the stadium.  To its right is Duke Snider (Auction Link), and he too looks quite serious.  Below, Gil Hodges is seen signing for a fan (Auction Link). 

No doubt the weight of that days event is on each of their minds.  It is several hours before they have to get on the field and it's obvious they already have their game-faces on.

Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Dodgers were unable to finish the job that day.  The Yankees, behind the brilliant pitching of Whitey Ford, defeated the Dodgers 5-1 to force a Game 7 match at Ebbets Field.  As you know, the Dodgers would eventually take home the crown and be named World Champions for the first time in their history the very next day.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Vintage Dodgers Memorabilia on eBay - Snapshots and Spring Training in Cuba

I was running around eBay the other day and came across a couple of items I just had to share here (Auction Link).  Featured above is a group of three fan-taken photographs of members of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  According to the seller they were taken at the Polo Grounds - home of the NY Giants.  He also states they're from 1955, but that can't be right. 

At the top right is manager Chuck Dressen, and he was not with the team in 1955.  That season he was managing for the Washington Senators.  He was, on the other hand, manager of the club from 1951 to 1953, and a coach from 1958 to 1959.  To the right of Dressen is Jackie Robinson, and at the bottom is Pee Wee Reese.

One of the more unique items I saw is the below grouping of spring training memorabilia from Havana, Cuba, circa 1941.  (Auction Link)

eBay Unearths some Pics of the 1997 Dodgers

I was window shopping on eBay this afternoon when I came across a series of photographs that I thought I'd share here.  These aren't exactly vintage in nature, but they do elicit some old memories.

Featured are a bunch of scans from original 35mm color slides that were taken by a photographer named Thearon Henderson - who was on assignment for the Upper Deck Company at the time.  From what I understand, he is currently with Getty.  All of the pics where taken during the 1997 season, and it includes several players you hardly ever see.

Vintage Sandy Koufax in these Fan Taken Photographs

It's been awhile since I've dived into the further reaches of the eBay marketplace to find some vintage fan-taken photographs, so when I came across these stills I knew I had to share them here.  Featured are a couple of snapshoots of Sandy Koufax, circa 1960's.  Unfortunately, a specific date isn't provided.  

The pic at the very top features a posed Koufax standing along the left field line (auction link here).  I am unsure who is standing, stumbling, in the background.  This photo makes me wonder if this was originally taken during an fan photo day.

Below is Sandy signing a Baseball for a lucky fan (auction link here).  I wonder if the fan still has this ball. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Snapshots in Time from a 1966 Dodgers Spring Training

It's been awhile since I've shared some of the unique things I find while perusing eBay.  That place is like a giant flea market filled with unusual memorabilia and collectibles that would be difficult to find anywhere else.  For instance, check out the group of 4 photos below that I found at this auction.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

(eBay Auction Link)

These are fan taken photos taken of several beloved Dodgers during Spring Training at Vero Beach in 1966.  They reflect distinctly personal and intimate snapshots of several moments in time.  They are like memories that have been captured to allow us to recall or imagine the day.

When I saw these photos, I was immediately transported to Dodgertown.  I could see myself walking the grounds like a child with a new toy.  Exploration and discovery would be my goal, and as I came across some of these 'Boys in Blue' I would smile and wave hello.

"Can I get a photo with you," is what I would say.  Or, "how about a John Hancock, please?"

Man-O-Live... I do miss going to Spring Training, and one of these days I'll make my way out to Arizona to see the Dodgers there.  Fortunately, I still have my memories from the trips I took many years ago, and I can always look back at the photos I find throughout the 'net to assuage my thirst for those uniquely special moments.

In the photos above you see Jim Lefebvre on the top left, Ron Fairly on the top right, Jim Gilliam on the bottom left and John Kennedy on the bottom right.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Some Vintage Dodger Snapshots Found on eBay - 1971 Dodgers Photo Day

The best part about eBay is finding unique, one-of-a-kind memorabilia items.  The best of which are often fan-taken photographic snapshots of your favorite team.  Recently, while perusing eBay I came across a set of 10 photos that fit this description.  See the auction here.

Check out some photos that appear to be from a Photo Day at Dodger Stadium.  According to the seller, they are from the 1971 season.

I'm amazed at how sparse the crowd is.  Nowadays, Photo Day is crowded and often mind-numbing experience.  These pics make it seem like a walk in the park.

(Auction Link)

Below is Pete Mikkelsen.  He was a relief pitcher for the Dodgers.

(Auction Link)

Below is Jose Pena.  He also pitched out of the pen.

(Auction Link)

Below is coach Carroll Beringer.  Carroll spent nearly his entire professional career within the Dodger organization.  He played in the minors from 1946 to 1960 (never getting a cup of coffee), then became a batting practice pitcher from 1961 to 1966, and finally a coach for Walter Alston from 1967 to 1972.  In 1973 he moved to the Philadelphia Phillies.

(Auction Link)

Below is Dodgers pitching coach Red Adams.  He served in that capacity from 1969 to 1980.

(Auction Link)

Al Downing is featured below.  He was the Comeback Player of the Year in 1971.

(Auction Link)

Who else could #11 be but Manny Mota.

(Auction Link)

Here is another photo of Pete Mikkelsen.

(Auction Link)

Rookie pitcher Bob O'Brien is below.  This would be the only year he would pitch in the "Bigs".  He would be traded by the Dodgers at the end of the season to the Baltimore Orioles in a deal that brought Frank Robinson to LA.

(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Some More Vintage Dodgers Snapshots on eBay

I came across another eBay auction of some fan-taken photographic snapshots of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Well... At least, everything points to it being of the Dodgers.  Take a look.

These are three vintage Polaroid photographs that were clearly taken at Ebbets Field.  That's easy to tell because of the advertising on the outfield walls.  The giant Schaefer Beer billboard and Gem Razor ad are easily recognizable.  Additionally, I'm fairly certain that Jackie Robinson is featured at the plate in the photo on the left.  Check out an enlarged copy below.

(eBay Auction Link)

Jackie's batting stance is unmistakable, and so is the #42 on the batters back.

Unfortunately, the next photo is a little more fuzzy.  See it below. 

(eBay Auction Link)

Clearly, it is from before the start of the game as you can see the ground crew preparing the batters box with chalk.  In the foreground, a pitcher is seen warming up, but the seller (and myself) can't figure out who it is.  It cannot be a Dodger, since no one wore #47.  So, who is it?  If anyone has any clue please let me know.

As for the final photo, your guess is as good as mine as to who is shown pitching.

Still, I love checking out these kinds of vintage fan photos.  They are always one-of-a-kind and are unique in their own special way.  They allow me to look through the eyes of a fan who is sitting right there.  Can't you just imagine myself enjoying a hot dog and watching the Dodgers play?

(eBay Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Some Vintage Brooklyn Dodgers Fan Snapshots Found on eBay

Following up on yesterdays post featuring an eBay vintage doll find, I now share a grouping of vintage fan-taken photographic snapshots of some Brooklyn Dodgers.  Check them out below.

This photo below is dated by the seller as being from 1951, and was taken during Spring Training.  Featured in this one-of-a-kind photo is Rocky Bridges.  He played high school ball in Long Beach and was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1947.  He rose through the ranks and eventually played two seasons with the Dodgers before being traded to the Reds in 1953.  Bridges would go on to have a 11-year Major League career.

(eBay Auction Link)

Here is a fan snapshot of first baseman Dee Fondy.  The seller labels it as being Buddy Hicks, but based on some photos I've seen online I am certain that is not the case.  Heck, I think the seller inadvertently mixed up the names as they have another photo (as seen at the very bottom) that is of Buddy.  Anyway, Dee Fondy went to high school in San Bernardino and was singed as an amateur in 1946.  He never played for the Dodgers, but would eventually get his chance to shine as a member of the Cubs in 1951.  Fondy would go on to have a productive 8-year Major League career.

BTW, the seller claims that the photo is from 1951, but that doesn't seem likely.  He was traded by the Dodgers along with future actor Chuck Conners to the Cubs in October of 1950.  So, at the latest the photo is from the Spring of 1950.

(eBay Auction Link)

This is the last fan-taken snapshot on eBay.  Like the photo above, the seller mixed up the names.  I am certain the photo below is actually infielder Buddy Hicks.  He never played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but was originally signed by them in 1944. He would eventually be sold to the Phillies in October of 1950; which lends credence to my theory that these photos have to be from 1950, or earlier. 

Buddy would finally get a taste of the big leagues in 1956 with the Detroit Tigers.  He would only get into 26 games.  Hicks would later on be a Minor League manager for both the Braves and Senators in the 1960's.

(eBay Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

eBay: 1940's Brooklyn Dodgers Fan Photos from Ebbets Field

eBay never fails to unearth some beautiful Dodgers memorabilia. Here is a grouping of 8 fan taken photographs of the Dodgers from Ebbets Field, circa 1940's.  If you have been a longtime reader of this blog then you know that I love this kind of stuff.  These come from the perspective of a fan and are often one of a kind.  To see other post I've written with other Vintage Dodgers Snapshot then go to this link.  Also, click any pic to embiggen.

I don't recognize any of the players, so if you happen to know who are featured please let me know.

(eBay Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Old Judge: Snapshots from Ebbets Field, 1913

These photos are remarkable.

Available in Lew Lipset's Old Judge.com auction are a group of 8 photographic snapshots from Ebbets Field. I know that doesn't sound like much considering there are thousands of pics out there from its nearly 50 years of existence.

What makes this photos special is that they apparently come from 1913- the year Ebbets Field opened. On top of that, one of them has been dated on reverse as April 7, 1913. This is two days before its officially opening in Brooklyn.

From the auction description:

The photos measure about 4 1/2" x 3". According to the writing on the back, they were taken on April 7 (Daubert), May13 (Cutshaw, Hummel), May 15 (Smith, Stengel), May 16 (Miller). The photos of Wheat and Rucker are undated. It’s interesting to note the pictures have almost all different parts of the ballpark in the background.

The opening bid for these photos is steep- at $1500.00. So, I won't even think about bidding. It's way over my budget. Still, I'd love to have a closer at these beauties.

(Auction Link)

eBay: Vintage Dodger Snapshots- Some Replacement Players

Sure, it's great to have a chance to enjoy vintage fan taken snapshots of a future Hall of Famer, but those guys tend to be who everyone takes photos of. How about the other fellows? Won't somebody give the role players some love?

Well, featured here are several snapshots of some unheralded Brooklyn Dodgers from the early 1940's.

Below is journeyman backup catcher Herman Franks from 1941. He was hardly a superstar, but became noteworthy nonetheless. Herman started out with the Hollywood Stars, played in Brooklyn from 1940 to 1941, befriended Leo Durocher in the meantime, went away to war for 3.5 years, and came back to became a player manager for the Dodgers AAA team in St. Paul. Then, he decided to get back on the field for the Phillies and Giants before retiring to be the right hand man behind Manager Durocher's Giants. As the story goes, it was Franks who sat in centerfield stealing catcher signs that may have lead to Bobby Thompson's 1951 home run shot.

So, Franks was a traitor, and a cheating SOB. As stated in Wikipedia:

Franks would poke his head into the Brooklyn clubhouse to taunt Furillo that Giant pitchers would throw at his head during that day's game. Furillo, whose hatred for Durocher was so intense that he would engage Durocher in a fistfight in the Giant dugout filled with enemy players, said of the Giants, in Peter Golenbock's book Bums, "They were dirty ballplayers ... They all wanted to be like Durocher, to copy Durocher. That Herman Franks, he was another one."

(Auction Link)

This is Newt Kimball. He was a right handed relief pitcher for the Dodgers from 1940 to 1943. This photo was taken in September of 1941. Unfortunately, I can't make out where the pic is from.

(Auction Link)

Larry French casually strolls through the home field of the Boston Braves in July 1942 in the photo below. Of the three players featured here, French had the longest career. He was a starting pitcher for most of his 14 years in the Majors- the last two with Brooklyn in 1941 to 1942. Here is a funny story about Larry from Wikipedia.

With his team leading the Braves 8-0 in the ninth inning, reliever Larry French of the 1933 Pirates figured he could duck out of the bullpen and hit the showers early. Little did he know as he was getting clean that the Braves had rallied to make the score 8-7. When the call came for French to pitch, he didn't even have time to rinse off. He put on his uniform and hustled out to the mound with soap trickling down his neck. He went on to pull off a win.

That would be like Griffey hitting a homer as a pinch hitter that one time he was found in the clubhouse sleeping during a game.

(Auction Link)

MHCC: Dodgers Snapshots

Do you know what's better than a fan taken photo of a legendary Dodger? How about having that star sign your photograph.

As I promised yesterday, here are a couple of great Dodgers related memorabilia items that really stuck out to me in MHCC's current auction. These are vintage photos taken by an Aunt during Spring Training jaunts to Florida in the late 40's. She would go with camera in tow, get up-close and personal pics, have them developed, then have her favorite stars sign them. That's the kind of hobby I can get behind. Below is a Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

Posing With Your Idols

Here are some great vintage Dodger snapshots I found on eBay of a lucky fan posing with his Baseball idols. From the 1950's. I can't help but wonder at how great a moment this must have been for this kid.

Here is Gil Hodges.

(eBay Auction Link)

Carl Furrillo

(eBay Auction Link)

Pee Wee Reese

(eBay Auction Link)

Duke Snider

(eBay Auction Link)

eBay: Vintage LA Snapshots

I haven't been a very active buyer on eBay over the past several years. Sure, from time to time I'll snag a inexpensive card, but I haven't really been active like in years past. So, when I do come across something that I really fancy I tend take a more serious run than I normally would do.

Sometimes I come out the victor, but in this case I ended up waddling in the wake of a more aggressive bidder. And I gotta tell ya, I'm a little disappointed. The more I look at these the more I wish I had bid again. Check out these great circa 1972 (although, I think they likely come from 1973) fan taken photographic snapshots of an afternoon game at Dodger Stadium. The Cincinnati Reds are in town along with some special guest. This group of pics sold for $44.00.

Do you recognize any of the players? If you do, please let me know.
Wow, Tony Perez and Dave Concepion are below, along with Dodger coach Jim Gilliam.
Hey, look at that, the Team USA College All-Stars are in town also. Check out Walter Alston and USC coach (now Team USA coach) Rod Dedeaux chatting below. I'm pretty sure that's Steve Yeager on the bottom left. Also, the auction listing indicated that a youthful Fred Lynn is also in the pictures, but I have yet to spot him.
You certainly can't go wrong with cheerleaders. The USC Cheerleaders are in the house.

(Auction Link)

eBay: Snapshots of Jackie

Taken in 1949, here are a couple of fan taken photographic snapshots of Dodger phenom Jackie Robinson. This auction item is also accompanied by a letter written by the fan asking for Jackie to sign them- a sort of vintage through the mail request. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the sender every mailed it- no postmark. Too bad, it would have made for a great heirloom.

(Auction Link)

From Behind Home Plate at Ebbets

Ahh! Just another wonderful afternoon at the ballpark. Here is a great fan taken vintage photograph from behind home plate at Ebbets Field, as found on eBay. Roy Campanella is on one knee, ready for his turn at the plate.

What also strikes me is the distance between the players and the fans. That's a lot of foul ground back there. It reminds me of Dodger Stadium before the McCourt renovations.

(eBay Auction Link)